Annual Veterans Breakfast honors those who served

Wednesday

Nov 14, 2012 at 6:35 PM

By CHRISTINA STYAN

By CHRISTINA STYAN

Special Writer

DARTMOUTH — Veterans Gil Costa, Jessie Ferro and Donat Bernier have one thing in common; at one time they all served in the United States Navy. The three men and many other local veterans were honored at the annual Veterans Breakfast at the Council on Aging (COA) Friday morning.

"I served on the aircraft carrier Hornet as a gunner's mate in the Pacific for three years. I was only 17 years old, and my mother had to give the OK," recalled Mr. Bernier. "It is nice they are still doing the breakfast here," he added, looking forward to a reunion aboard the Hornet next year because the ship may be visiting Providence, R. I.

COA Director Debra Raymond read aloud some touching sentiments expressed in special "Thank You" cards made by the Adult Social Day program attendees and placed on the breakfast tables. "Thank you for your bravery; Because you cared, I am free; and For all your sacrifices, from a grateful heart," Ms. Raymond read.

Congressman Bill Keating mentioned his memories of being a child accompanying his father, who was the keeper of veteran's graves, making sure no veteran had been left out when it was time to put out memorial flags.

"When visiting troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, I remember seeing the United States flag. This country stands for so much, and we can't let people down from generation to generation," he suggested. "Veteran's Day is about honoring all veterans, and I thank of all those veterans who have given so much," he added.

Dartmouth Executive Administrator David Cressman recalled the Cuban Missile Crisis of 50 years ago. "We felt the impact of world events on our lives and we pulled together as a nation," he noted. We depend upon the sacrifices of veterans to help address some of the nation's current vulnerabilities, he added.

Dartmouth Veterans' Services Officer Roy Oliveira noted there is still much to be done for our veterans. "During the last several years, the Veterans Administration (VA) has come a long way towards processing over a million claims by streamlining the (benefits application) process," he advised. He explained that new "Fully Developed Claims" are critical to getting benefits, and the application is designed to reduce the length of time for claims to be processed.

The VA guarantees to process claims within 125 days, he said. "With this process, veterans must get their own medical evidence. Visit me, call me," he said, encouraging veterans to come to his office in Room 316 in the Town Hall. Mr. Oliveira may be reached by calling (508) 910-1818.

Al Oliveira is the newly elected chairman of the Veterans Advisory Board, replacing Joseph Toomey. "We will be assisting in the United Service Organizations and reviewing veterans programs," he remarked.

State Representative Chris Markey honored local veterans by sponsoring the catered breakfast.

Jim Collins presented the COA with a $500 donation from the members of the Dartmouth VFW Memorial Post 9059. The money will be used to buy supplies for the food bank operated out of the COA, Ms. Raymond noted.